Same Game Multi picks for Giants vs. Tigers AFL Saturday

GREATER Western Sydney will have fond memories of their most recent encounter with Richmond.

In round 19 last year, the Tigers were held to a measly 1.2 (8) in the first half as GWS romped to an 88-point win at Manuka Oval.

A similar result this week could see the Giants close in on top spot, depending on how Adelaide fare against the Brisbane Lions.

Leon Cameron’s men only just scraped past Collingwood last weekend, with Stevie Johnson snatching the winner after an instinctive rove in the dying moments.

It was a good week for Tim Taranto, who put in another impressive shift to win the NAB Rising Star nomination for round eight.

The Giants paid a price for those three points, however, with Stephen Coniglio set for ankle surgery that will keep him sidelined for 10 weeks.

The vice-captain rejoins a hefty injury list that includes Ryan Griffen and Will Setterfield (both ankle), Nick Haynes and Tendai Mzungu (hamstring), Jacob Hopper (broken finger), Jeremy Finlayson (groin) and long-term ACL casualties Matt Buntine and Adam Kennedy.

In better news, Toby Greene will return to action after serving a suspension for striking Caleb Daniel in the Giants’ win over the Western Bulldogs in round six.

Harry Perryman, pick 14 in the 2016 draft, is in line for his AFL debut, while Aiden Corr and Sam Reid could also be available if they pass concussion tests.

The Tigers may still be suffering shellshock from the events that unfolded at the MCG last Sunday.

When Brandon Ellis snapped truly with 23 seconds left on the clock, it seemed Richmond had snatched the points after trailing by five goals at three-quarter-time.

Some Lachie Neale brilliance and a cool David Mundy finish later, however, it was Fremantle’s turn to celebrate.

That made it three defeats in a row for the yellow and black, and coach Damien Hardwick appears ready to shuffle the deck.

Anthony Miles and Sam Lloyd are strong candidates for promotion after impressive displays in the VFL, while ex-Giant Jacob Townsend could make his first senior appearance of 2017.

Dion Prestia has missed a few rounds with tightness in his hamstring, but the former Gold Coast midfielder is expected to make the trip to Sydney.

Tom Scully 25+ disposals

Slowly but surely, Scully is starting to justify the enormous investment GWS have made in him. The former Melbourne man spends more time on ground than any other midfielder in the competition, showcasing incredible endurance to go through entire halves without any bench breaks. His season average of 25.0 disposals per game is clouded by a quiet 16-touch game in round two – otherwise he has not dipped below 23.

Toby Greene 3+ goals

The Giants have missed Greene more than perhaps even they ever knew they would. Without him, their forward line – talented though it is – lacks that certain je ne sais quoi. The nuggety number four has reached new heights as a goal threat in 2017, banging in 20 in six outings. He booted three or more in five straight games from round two to round six and will aim to continue that trend on his return.

Richmond +28.5 line

With the sole exception of their mauling at the hands of Adelaide, the Tigers have been nowhere near as bad as their recent run of results might suggest. They were edged out by a spirited Bulldogs fightback in round seven and then foisted at the death in a crazy finish after coming from five goals down against Freo. They have never lost at Spotless Stadium and should have enough quality to beat the line.

GWS by 1-39 points

With the line where it is and the Giants where they are, we think we can get away with doubling up on the handicap and the margin bets. GWS have been some ways below their scintillating best in recent weeks, although Greene’s absence has certainly played a part in that. They should win, but perhaps not with quite the same kind of flair as they showed in Canberra last term.